CVE-2017-0876 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability in the Android media framework (libavc). Product: Android. Versions: 6.0. Android ID A-64964675.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0876 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Android media framework, specifically affecting the libavc library component. This vulnerability resides in the Android operating system's multimedia processing capabilities and was designated with the Android ID A-64964675. The issue manifests in Android version 6.0, which was part of the Marshmallow release cycle and affected a significant portion of mobile devices running this operating system. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the media framework's decoding processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted multimedia content that triggers a buffer overflow condition within the libavc library. When the Android media framework processes specially crafted video or audio files, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory locations and execute malicious code with the privileges of the media framework process. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically manifesting as a heap-based buffer overflow that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the system's core multimedia processing capabilities, meaning that any application or service that handles media files could potentially serve as an attack vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0876 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold on affected devices. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows for complete system compromise without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for mobile environments where users may unknowingly encounter malicious content. The vulnerability affects devices running Android 6.0, which was widely deployed across various manufacturers' smartphones and tablets, creating a substantial attack surface. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could establish persistent backdoors through the executed code. The vulnerability also maps to T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, since successful exploitation would grant attackers elevated privileges within the device's security context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0876 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patches provided by Google and device manufacturers. Users should ensure their Android devices receive the security update released in the Android Security Bulletin for April 2017, which specifically addresses this vulnerability. Network-level protections can include filtering of multimedia content and implementing sandboxing measures for media processing applications. Device administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary media processing capabilities and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in mobile operating systems, aligning with industry best practices for secure coding and the principle of least privilege. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify affected devices and implement comprehensive patch management procedures to address this and similar vulnerabilities in their mobile device fleets.